A recent research led by Gabriel Sangüesa-Barreda in Tenerife Island revealed the oldest living tree in the European Union with an age of 1481 years. The article that is available in Ecology is the result of a collaboration between Universidad de Valladolid, Rey Juan Carlos University, Tenerife Vertical and Teide National Park.
Our research found that cliff habitats have provided junipers (Juniperus cedrus) a place to shelter from intense disturbances —volcanic eruptions, goats’ teeth and human axe— that reduced their abundance in the flat and attainable parts. After National Park creation cliff-confined junipers have led the recruitment of younger cohorts in flat areas.
The study has received a huge attention from Spanish media:
Video: RTVE, Antena 3, RTVC (44:49), TVC (39:51)
Radio: Cope (45:40), RTVE, RTVC-UnoMásUno (1:45:48), OndaCero Soria
Press: La Vanguardia, Heraldo Diario de Soria, RTVC, DiCYT, abc…
In addition, check it out our article in The Conversation (in Spanish).
This research was part of the “Discovering missing parts in an island ecosystem” project.
